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Small Faces

Name: Small Faces
Director: Gillies MacKinnon
Released: 1996
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1996

Director

Gillies MacKinnon

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Small Faces is a detailed look at working-class masculinity and subcultural identity in 1960s Glasgow. While it effectively challenges the myth of musical stardom and criticizes the exploitative nature of the music industry, the narrative remains narrowly focused on a specific demographic. The film emphasizes the internal dynamics of male-dominated social structures, which limits its exploration of diverse identities. This results in a lack of representation for various backgrounds and identities. Overall, the work serves as a biographical tragedy that adheres to the social norms of its time, offering limited visibility for underrepresented groups.

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Category Breakdown

Does Small Faces have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on male camaraderie and does not include any characters with non-binary or same-sex relationships. There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex intimacy in the main storylines.

How does Small Faces portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around male experiences within the Mod subculture, where women are mainly portrayed as girlfriends or groupies and do not significantly influence the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Small Faces?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, representing the working-class demographics of 1960s Glasgow. The story does not feature characters of color in key roles.

How does Small Faces represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film critiques the music industry as an exploitative entity. It delves into subcultural rebellion and the tragic outcomes of the protagonists' descent into addiction and anti-social behavior.

Does Small Faces include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of visible or invisible disabilities or neurodivergence. The focus is on the physical and psychological impact of substance abuse as a plot driver.

Present on Screen

Offers a gritty, realistic portrayal of the Mod subculture and its social pressures.
Critiques the music industry as an exploitative, capitalist entity.
Explores the psychological toll of addiction and the descent of its protagonists.

Limited or Absent

Lacks gender diversity, relegating women to peripheral, supporting roles.
Features a highly homogeneous cast with minimal racial or ethnic variety.
Provides almost no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.

Official Synopsis

Three teenage brothers—gang-member Bobby, troubled mama's boy Alan and self-assured prankster Lex—reside in a downtrodden section of 1968 Glasgow. But as Bobby and Alan begin to experience the power of raging hormones, Lex begins a downward spiral after he accidentally shoots the leader of Bobby's gang, and his youthful cockiness and immaturity unfortunately prevent him from understanding the effect his subsequent crimes will have on not only himself, but also those around him.

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